Maria and Mouse Mouse are an unlikely pair with a big secret and more similarities than they know. A human and a rodent, they have to keep their friendship hidden. One night, as Maria and Mouse Mouse get ready for bed, Maria in her room and Mouse Mouse in her hole under the floor, neither can find her mother to tuck her in! Searching frantically among kitchens, living rooms, and outrageously detailed illustrations, the two must stop to ask “Where’s Mommy?” (Schwartz and Wade, $17.99). Beverly Donofrio’s heartfelt story and Barbara McClintock’s whimsical illustrations work together to create a clever tale that shows that children aren’t the only ones with secrets. Ages 4-8. Allison Trotter